FAFSA

Many colleges uses FAFSA as a guideline in deciding aid.   You should always file for FAFSA even if you do not plan to appy for FA. It is free to file.  Filing for FAFSA has nothing to do with admission.  FA packages from some colleges may include federal loans as part of the aid, in that case, you will have to file anyway.    Another reason for filling for FAFSA is to make future loan application much more smoothier. It is kind of like insurance.  If you do not file FAFSA, and if for some unforseen reason, your student needs to apply for a student federal loan in the future, it will delay the application. When that (unforseen event) happens, maybe applying for a loan or filling for FAFSA is the last thing you need to worry about.